Press Article: Holiday Shopping Season Kicks Off at Outlets Despite Dwindling Black Friday Hype
DENVER — Shoppers flocked to the Outlets at Castle Rock this Black Friday, signaling the official start of the holiday shopping season. Patrons like Kimberly Paschke and Maisie Paulson expressed excitement about finding affordable Christmas gifts and clothing. The scene was bustling, with long lines stretching out of stores and parking lots brimming with vehicles, indicating robust consumer turnout.
Despite the heavy foot traffic, experts note a significant shift in the Black Friday landscape over recent years. Darrin Duber-Smith, a senior lecturer at Metropolitan State University of Denver, remarked, "Consumers are finally getting savvy to the fact that Black Friday is really just sort of a marketing thing." He pointed out that shoppers can find deals before and after the day itself, diluting the event’s once-intense allure. The rise of online shopping has further transformed Black Friday from a singular event to a prolonged buying season.
While some shoppers claim the experience is more about tradition than bargains—highlighted by Lynn Hunkins who noted the joy of enjoying the mall’s festive ambiance—Duber-Smith observed that the day doesn’t hold the same significance as it once did. "It’s not the way it used to be," he explained, acknowledging that while in-person shopping may have declined, this period remains crucial for retailers, who typically see around 30 percent of their annual profits during the holiday season.
As shoppers continue to adapt to the evolving retail landscape, the inquiries about the true essence of Black Friday linger, with many still cherishing the community aspect despite changing shopping habits.
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